Then the signing of match contract by Ron " Suki " King and Dr. Richard Beckwith and myself as match referee.

From my Blackberry I will send updates (as I can) to Mr. Alex for posting on to this thread to keep the Draughts/Checker world posted on game openings, results,etc.

I will take photos as I can and forward to J.R. Smith for his fine web site.

I will learn volumes next week rubbing shoulders and watching these two great players do battle over the checkered board.

If you get a chance next week and happen to be in the area drop by . Room rates are quite reasonable at the Roadway Inn. Alexandrias next door is the officail restaurant of Checker players while in Medina.

OK, I will post Alan updates here, but sometimes it maybe after 5-6 PM Columbus time when I come back from work. Alan, if you send me pictures, I also can post them here.

You also can send your updates to me and John Acker and whoever get it first - will post it.

However ... to the best of my knowledge there is a PC in the hotel lobby (on the right side of entrance) which I used last fall to post information about 3-moves WCM 2009.

I wish Richard good luck in this match and backing him in all ways I can. After long journey, the title must be back to it's home Many thanks to Mr. Joseph La-Conti and Evergreen-Uni for sponsoring this and many other checkers events.

Richard Beckwith is a outstanding player and excellent sportsman. One of the very few in the game of checkers that never puts anyone down and is always polite. My opin he can accomplish anything when he is focused and determined. Ron is arragant and full of confidence and it might hurt him to take this lightly. Billy

Alex, Whats the best thing for Richard to do at this point. If Ron can hold to all draws he will remain champ. So does Richard play a little risky to try to get a win or keep playing safe to the end game? Billy

I am geeting quite an eduation in GAYP and ending play while watching these two top players at work. If is challenging as referee to watch each player move and to do my best to think their strategy and reasons for that move or that move. Both are light years ahead of me, but that is how one learns and improves.

Next round to begin at 3 PM today. Mr. Joe LoConti took us all to lunch today so we will be later starting. Ron will not careas he told me it does not matter to him the times as he is here in Medina till the 11th. An interesting perspective and attitude by our GAYP World's Champion.

I want to say that I wish both the best of luck in this title match. And Dr. Beckwith keep up the draws. I am very proud of you taking on Suki. And Alan I am very jealous you are there to watch this great battle. Wish I could be there to watch.